ATHENS, Ohio (Dec. 12, 2012)—Got a business concept but need expert advice on how to launch your product or company? Startup Weekend Athens, Ohio invites aspiring entrepreneurs to road test their next big ideas Jan. 25-27 during its second annual business competition.

During this 54-hour event, participants can pitch an idea to attendees and form teams around the top-voted concepts. The teams receive professional business plan coaching and product development support from seasoned professionals. Executives and investors will provide valuable feedback after prototype demonstrations Sunday evening, and prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.

On average, half of Startup Weekend’s attendees have technical or design backgrounds, and the other half have business backgrounds.

Students can attend for $49; general admission is $99. The fee covers the program, as well as meals, snacks and refreshments throughout the weekend. Participants must make their own housing arrangements. The event will be held in 240/242 Baker Center and at the Innovation Center on the Ohio University campus in Athens.

Startup Weekend, powered by the Kauffman Foundation, supports competitions around the globe to foster entrepreneurship and new business creation. More than 36 percent of Startup Weekend startups are still going strong after three months, and roughly 80 percent of participants plan on continuing working with their team or startup after the weekend. The program has more than 45,000 alumni worldwide.

The sponsors of Startup Weekend Athens, Ohio are Athens County Business Remixed, TechGROWTH Ohio, Athens Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio University Innovation Center, Vice President for Research and Creative Activity and Center for Entrepreneurship.